starter/gen run time

[rcman124]

have a 1991 ds gas club car with kawi motor...does the starter/generator stop pulling voltage after the gas engine starts? how does this happen(switch?) or does the starter always pull 12 volts from the battery? this is my 1st gas cart...seems like starter is taking alot of amps-load to turn over engine...also the battery seems tobe discharging very fast within a half hour of driving...i just replaced the starter it is brand new the old one was doing the same thing. so i t seems that this is not a starter problem...any suggestions...thanks, tony

[stinger5]

Originally Posted by rcman124

have a 1991 ds gas club car with kawi motor...does the starter/generator stop pulling voltage after the gas engine starts? how does this happen(switch?) or does the starter always pull 12 volts from the battery? this is my 1st gas cart...seems like starter is taking alot of amps-load to turn over engine...also the battery seems tobe discharging very fast within a half hour of driving...i just replaced the starter it is brand new the old one was doing the same thing. so i t seems that this is not a starter problem...any suggestions...thanks, tony

The SG draws from the battery to start the engine but as it speeds up it produces a progressively higher voltage which is returned via the voltage regulator to the battery. You should see approx 14.5 volts when the cart is running at it's fastest. You can test it easily enough in maintenance mode. To do this; set the F/R lever in neutral then behind the lever and under the seat is a yellow cam controlling two switches. Pull the cam out and rotate it 180 degrees. The cart will now run without moving

[rcman124]

just tried you test.....voltage stays at about 12volts when running at any speed...does this mean needs a voltage reg?

[shadowman]

Originally Posted by rcman124

just tried you test.....voltage stays at about 12volts when running at any speed...does this mean needs a voltage reg?

yep VR is bad thats why battery is going dead........its in the black box where solenoid is......91 you should have the big brass looking VR with 3 screws on it........................................

[rcman124]

does the starter/gen get very hot while running? my old and the new one get so hot i can not keep my hand on it when checking the temperature of it...please advise thanks

[stinger5]

Originally Posted by rcman124

does the starter/gen get very hot while running? my old and the new one get so hot i can not keep my hand on it when checking the temperature of it...please advise thanks

Yes rc, the S/G will get pretty warm just like any electric motor will. It will be a little cooler when driving due to airflow but it's proximity to the engine and exhaust combine to keep it hotter when static testing.

[rcman124]

thanks so much guys for the responses....been very helpfull.